Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia
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* HERDSA Connect: Reimagining Assessment Through Indigenous Knowledges and Immersive Learning
* HERDSA Community: 2026 HERDSA Revisited Webinar
* HERDSA Queensland Branch Executive 2026–2027
* Building an education case: Promotion, recognition and career advancement
* From Ideas to Scholarship: A HERDSA SoTL SIG Writing Sprint -- STARTS NEXT WEEK!
* HERDSA SoTL Module Community Catchup
* Moving through the 5C's for developing and refining SoTL research projects
* LAST CHANCE: Add your voice to a study into curriculum design processes closing tonight
* Could Your Next Research or Collaboration Start Here?
* CRADLE 2026 International Symposium Panel – ‘Beyond grades’
* Free Higher Education Teaching and Learning Library
* New articles in Higher Education Research and Development
To submit an announcement for this list complete the online form at http://herdsa.org.au/herdsa-notices
A full list of HERDSA Notices is online at http://www.herdsa.org.au/latest-news
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HERDSA Connect: Reimagining Assessment Through Indigenous Knowledges and Immersive Learning
Kam Kaur, 30 September 2026
Kam invites us to reassess what counts as knowledge when assessing students.
Read more: https://herdsa.org.au/herdsa-connect/reimagining-assessment-through-indi...
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HERDSA Community: 2026 HERDSA Revisited Webinar
HERDSA New Zealand | 24 September 2026
Hosted by the NZ Branch of HERDSA, this was an opportunity for colleagues who were unable to attend the recent HERDSA conference in Singapore to gain insights, as well as for people who did attend to reconnect.
Four speakers shared key insights from their research-informed work, or a key learning/provocation. This was followed by questions and answers with attendees.
Approximately 20 colleagues from across NZ attended this session.
The HERDSA NZ Branch Committee would like to thank the speakers Lee Harrison (University of Waikato), Kay Hammond (Auckland University of Technology), Qin (Annie) An (University of Otago), and Wender Lemos Martins (University of Auckland), for their generosity with their time and expertise. We also thank the attendees for supporting this session.
Recording + PPT available here: https://herdsa.org.nz/news/45-herdsa-revisited-webinar-2026-09-24
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HERDSA Queensland Branch Executive 2026–2027
Following the Annual General Meeting held on 25 September 2026, we are pleased to announce the HERDSA Queensland Branch Executive for 2026–2027:
President: A/Prof Kerry Russo (James Cook University)
Secretary: Dr Trisha Poole (University of Southern Queensland)
Treasurer: Professor Ruth Greenaway (Southern Cross University)
Events Coordinator: Dr Kelly Shoecraft (Griffith University)
Committee Members:
- A/Prof Kelley Burton (University of the Sunshine Coast)
- Kerrie Butler (BSI Consulting)
- Dr Kathleen Mahon (The University of Queensland)
- Nicole Reinke (University of the Sunshine Coast)
Congratulations to all elected members and thank you for your willingness to serve the Queensland Branch. We also acknowledge the outgoing Executive and all members who have contributed to Branch activities over the past year.
We look forward to supporting opportunities for connection, professional learning, and scholarly exchange across Queensland's higher education community in 2026–2027.
Further information: For Queensland Branch enquiries, please contact Dr Trisha Poole (Branch Secretary) at trisha.poole@unisq.edu.au
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Building an education case: Promotion, recognition and career advancement
The HERDSA NSW Branch welcomes A/Prof Anna Rowe to present an interactive session that will support academics in education focussed and combined teaching and research roles to build a compelling education case for promotion and other forms of professional recognition, including teaching awards and fellowships.
Participants will be encouraged to consider their career and recognition goals, identify gaps in their current profile and develop strategies for addressing them. Practical guidance will cover articulating educational contributions, demonstrating impact in teaching and scholarship, and tailoring evidence to different promotion, award and fellowship criteria. The session will conclude with five practical tips for strengthening an education case.
The session draws on the facilitator’s personal experience of preparing for promotion, as well as her work supporting career development and advancement at UNSW.
WHEN: October 2nd, 12:00 – 1:00 pm.
WHERE: Online via Zoom. Details will be provided to registered attendees.
We welcome HERDSA members and non-members, so please tell your friends!
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From Ideas to Scholarship: A HERDSA SoTL SIG Writing Sprint -- STARTS NEXT WEEK!
Starting Monday, 5 October 2026
Join the HERDSA SoTL SIG Writing Sprint!
Looking for dedicated time to focus on your Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) writing?
The HERDSA SoTL SIG Writing Sprint is a five-week online writing group designed to help participants make progress on scholarly writing projects in a supportive community environment. Whether you are developing a journal article, conference paper, book chapter, presentation, grant application, or simply organising ideas for a future project, the Writing Sprint provides structured writing time and opportunities to connect with fellow SoTL practitioners.
Each session includes dedicated writing periods, goal setting, and opportunities to share progress and experiences with colleagues. An optional peer feedback component will also be available for those seeking input on their work.
When: Mondays, 5 October to 2 November 2026
Where: Online via Zoom
Times
* 10:00 am to 12:00 pm AWST / Singapore / Hong Kong (UTC+8)
* 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm AEST (UTC+10)
* 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm AEDT (UTC+11)
* 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm NZST (UTC+13)
Register: https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/meeting/register/eF7SwCC-SAySOxEotFKhuw#/regi...
Facilitators: Dr Shannon Johnston (Murdoch University), Dr Jody Watts (University of Sydney), and Dr Kay Hammond (Auckland University of Technology)
Bring your writing project, your ideas, or simply your intention to write, and join colleagues from across Australasia in making steady progress on your SoTL work.
Further information: Contact Dr Shannon Johnston at shannon.johnston@murdoch.edu.au or reach out to the HERDSA SoTL SIG at herdsa.sotl.sig@gmail.com
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HERDSA SoTL Module Community Catchup
Tuesday October 6th, 2026
A benefit of HERDSA membership is access to the HERDSA SoTL Modules — a collection of 10 modules designed specifically for the HERDSA community.
The modules support national and international scholars to develop and refine their Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) knowledge, skills, and practice.
Connect, share, and learn with others
The HERDSA SoTL Module Community Catchup is an informal opportunity for people working through the modules to connect with others on a similar journey.
Join us to:
• share what you are currently exploring in the modules
• discuss questions, ideas and emerging insights
• hear how others are engaging with the modules
• exchange experiences, resources and helpful tips
• connect with the growing HERDSA SoTL community.
These casual catchups are a chance to learn with and from one another, and help make your SoTL journey a little less solitary.
Drop in when you can — whether you are just getting started, midway through the modules, or further along your SoTL journey.
- Next Community Catchup: Tuesday October 6th, 2026
- Time: 11:30-12:30pm (AEST - QLD time)
These sessions will not be recorded. They are intentionally informal and conversational, creating space for open discussion and connection.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Further information: Join us via the TEAMS link - https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r04/___https://bit.ly/4gIPXgo___.Y3A0Y...
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Moving through the 5C's for developing and refining SoTL research projects
Thursday October 29th, 2026 - 11:30am-12:30am AEST (Queensland time)
Recognition of the value of the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) has grown significantly over the past decade. Yet many tertiary educators are yet to engage with SoTL. This is concerning given that SoTL can contribute directly to improved teaching quality, student success, and career progression. This presentation introduces a SoTL facilitation and planning tool – the 5C's framework, which helps in demystifying and serving as a catalyst for enabling the SoTL process and reducing some SoTL participation barriers.
Join Associate Professor Alice Brown (UniSQ, HERDSA Executive and SoTL Portfolio Lead) and Dr. Olga Kozar (Macquarie University) for this engaging and refreshed workshop exploring the 5C Formula for identifying and developing strong SoTL projects:
- Concern
- Common Ground (Context)
- Crack in Knowledge (Complication)
- Your Contribution
- Course of Action
This practical framework will help you conceptualise and refine SoTL ideas with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re exploring innovative teaching practices, tackling persistent challenges, or engaging with student feedback, this session will empower you to select and design a high-impact SoTL project.
Bring your ideas and join the conversation!
Further information: https://protect.checkpoint.com/v2/r04/___https://bit.ly/3SwaQ51___.Y3A0Y...
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LAST CHANCE: Add your voice to a study into curriculum design processes closing tonight
Submissions close 30 September
A study looking at curriculum design processes in the contemporary Australian higher education context is underway. Our goal is to better understand (and eventually improve) the process of designing curriculum. We’d be grateful for your participation and support in sharing the invitation to participate with colleagues and peers in your institution or broader networks.
We’re keen to hear from people in all kinds of roles, at both university and non-university providers: learning designers, librarians, alumni engagement officers, folks in marketing and student recruitment, program admins, technical staff, leaders and (of course) teaching academics.
You can access the survey online at https://griffithuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bq0tjMEHK3xzAmG or feel free to reach out directly for opportunities to contribute via group or individual interviews.
Further information: Julie Robert, j.robert@griffith.edu.au or Peter Kandlbinder, Peter.Kandlbinder@uts.edu.au
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Could Your Next Research or Collaboration Start Here?
8 -9 October 2026
What could two days at the 2nd Prevention Imperative: Universal Wellbeing Conference open up for your research, teaching or professional work?
Join academics, researchers, educators, health professionals and community leaders in Auckland to explore:
• new research questions and collaboration opportunities
• wellbeing and educational achievement
• measuring wellbeing and demonstrating outcomes
• neurodiversity, inclusion and social cohesion
• suicide prevention and drug harm
• the Universal Wellbeing Model and Evaluation Tool
• opportunities for future research, projects and partnerships
Come with the questions you are working on and leave with new perspectives, connections and possibilities.
HERDSA NOTICE RATE: $350 + GST
HERDSA members interested in attending can email mm@fwi.ac.nz and mention HERDSA Notice.
8–9 October 2026 | The Parnell Hotel, Auckland
Further information: https://www.nzcdi.ac.nz/nz-conference-registration
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CRADLE 2026 International Symposium Panel – ‘Beyond grades’
Wednesday 14 October – 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm (AEDT)
What might the future of higher education look like, if the sector was to rethink grading? Join us on Wednesday 14 October for CRADLE’s 2026 International Symposium Panel and hear from three experts – Prof. David Boud (CRADLE, Deakin University), Prof. Rola Ajjawi (University of British Columbia), & A/Prof. Lauren Hansen (Deakin University) – as they reflect on the future of grading.
Despite widely reported criticism, grading systems persist in most higher education contexts. If we were to reassemble how student achievement is institutionally represented, what might grades – or whatever emerges after them – look like? Facilitated by CRADLE’s Dr Juuso Nieminen, this panel will consider what the future of grading might look like in higher education, with each panellist offering a provocation on reimagined grades.
Join us for this interactive session at 2.30 pm (AEDT), in person at Deakin Downtown or online, to discuss how we might move beyond grades towards more meaningful ways of recognising student learning.
Further information: https://cradle-symposium-panel-2026-beyond-grades.eventbrite.com.au/?aff...
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Free Higher Education Teaching and Learning Library
HERDSA member Professor John Dearn is downsizing his large academic library and he has150 texts (in 12 wine boxes) in very good condition dealing with higher education theory and practice. He would be unhappy to consign these to landfill and is seeking any individual, institution or organisation that would be interested in receiving some or all of them as a donation.
If you would like the library please contact John Dearn at jmdearn@gmail.com
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New articles in Higher Education Research and Development
Learning through breakdown in higher education: a process framework for system-level experiential learning in a student-led project, Hasan Mohamed Zakaria, Umme Umaimah Amin, Norhafizi Nordin, Muhammad Nur Hidayat Mohd Salim & Siti Aminah Hasbullah, https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2026.2730971
Critical thinking in the post-truth era: academic staff and student perspectives on challenges in Indonesian higher education, Widia Sri Ardias, Bagus Riyono & Sumaryono, https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2026.2730953
From showcase to negotiation: re-theorising E-portfolios as tools for systemic identity construction, Behnam Soltani, https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2026.2730961
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In the spirit of reconciliation HERDSA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australasia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.
